Fitness Programs vs. Cholesterol Levels

Empirical Study

High cholesterol levels in the human body are a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Lowering these levels can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. Current treatment of high cholesterol includes cholesterol-lowering drugs such as statins, but this therapeutic approach has its limitations. However, exercise and physical activity are known to promote and reduce the development of chronic diseases and may have a positive effect on individuals with high cholesterol levels and may also help to improve lipid profiles.

This tandem project of AGYA members Dr. Majid Al Busafi and Prof. Dr. Laila Prager aims to gain information on the effects of different types of aerobic exercise on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) levels. Interviews with 80 physicians from different hospitals in Oman and Germany form the base of this empirical study. During the interviews, demographic information, recent encounters and case studies of patients with different types of cholesterol pathologies, and existing aerobic exercises are discussed. The questionnaire is supported by additional quantitative data obtained from selected patient files of Omani and German individuals with higher cholesterol levels and their physical activity levels.

Taking both study approaches together, the AGYA members investigate what type of aerobic exercise physicians consider as most appropriate for individuals with different types of cholesterol levels. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, direct tests regarding different cholesterol levels and specific aerobic exercises cannot be performed. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to rely on the assessment of the interviewed physicians and their experience with patients in order to find alternative approaches for coronary heart disease and its prevention.